[Conference presentation] The 2nd Critical Tourism Studies-Asia Pacific Conference

The 2nd Critical Tourism Studies-Asia Pacific Conference was held at Wakayama University, from 17-19 February, 2020. Over 170 delegates from 30 different countries attended the conference making this event unprecedented at the university This followed the inaugural Critical Tourism Studies-Asia Pacific conference that was held at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jogjakarta, Indonesia in 2018.

The 2nd Critical Tourism Studies-Asia Pacific Conference was held in the shadow of the coronavirus and around the globe, the penchant for travel has waned due to COVID-19. However, the 2nd Critical Tourism Studies Conference-Asia Pacific, Wakayama University went ahead (https://www.criticaltourismstudies.com/).

The theme, 'Tourism in Troubled Times' was prescient and proof that in times of turbulence, solidarity, compassion and love are essential. Over 160 delegates from 30 countries across the globe attended making this an unprecedented event at Wakayama University. Furthermore, this gave Wakayama University invaluable international exposure positioning it as a key center for tourism research in the Asia Pacific region.

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Cofounder of Lonely Planet, Tony Wheeler delivered a stirring keynote as did Prof. Tazim Jamal (Texas A&M) and Prof. Christine Yano (Hawaii) who through their distinctive lenses reminded us of the potential of tourism. This was followed by three of Japan¡¯s leading scholars of tourism, Prof. Kumi Kato, Prof. Shinji Yamashita and Prof. Hideki Endo who showcased Japanese perspectives.

£¨Mr. Tony Wheeler£©

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A number of researchers and students also presented their research. Visit the conference website for program and abstracts.

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A great conference was delivered emphasizing that sustainability in global tourism must acknowledge that optimizing the health of Mother Earth, including humans and non-humans is of paramount concern. Tourism should transcend the dominant focus on economic growth and if it's potential to contribute to well-being and system stability is to be achieved, behavioral change is essential.

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£¨Left: Professor Joseph M. Cheer, Right: Wakayama University Distinguished Professor Richard Sharpley£©

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We advance to Critical Tourism Studies North America, August 2020.

¡ôCritical Tourism Studies - Asia Pacific¡¡https://www.criticaltourismstudies.com/

¡ôCritical Tourism Studies - North America¡¡https://sites.grenadine.uqam.ca/sites/gritts/en/cts-na

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